More than 20 students from three schools
gathered in Whangarei recently to gain hands-on knowledge of
controlling pest rats and mice as the Enviroschools
programme offered its first ‘Project
Rodent’.

Regional councillor Paul Dimery says the
Friday 17 March trial was run under the umbrella of the
Enviroschools Programme, which is funded in Northland by the
council.

The new rodent training comes after the success
over the past several years of similar Northland-led
Enviroschools programmes ‘Project Possum’ and
‘Project Mustelid’.

Councillor Dimery says the
latest project targeted the two most common rats in New
Zealand (Norway and ship) as well as the common house mouse;
all three of which were inadvertently introduced by early
European visitors.

He says participants – from Tauraroa
Area School and Otamatea and Whangarei Girls High Schools
– explored rodent pest control, biology and environmental
impacts as well as participating in practical sessions.

A
hands-on skills workshop, the trial included demonstrations
and participants having a go at trap and bait station
placement in a variety of habitats.

The course was held at
Kiwi North in Whangarei and like its possum and mustelid
forerunners, offered participants the chance to earn NCEA
unit standard credits.

Tutukaka-based Cr Dimery (who
represents the council’s Coastal Central constituency)
says he’s pleased to see young people taking an interest
– and actively participating – in pest control. He was
also grateful to the various tutors and experts who had
passed on their considerable pest control
knowledge.

“Council invests a great deal of time and
money on behalf of ratepayers working with Northland
communities to control a large number of pests – animal
and plant – in and around the region, both on land and
water.”

“Coincidentally this Project Rodent training
comes just as we’re beginning an extensive public
consultation process which include how pests are managed
through our Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway
Management Plan.”

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